The recommended consultations come as Lambeth, like many inner London boroughs, continues to experience a steep fall in the number of pupils at local schools and nurseries, due to falling birth rates and families moving out of the borough, following the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
The trend is strongly reflected in Lambeth’s five maintained nursery schools, where pupil numbers have fallen by more than 38% over the past five years. As a result, Lambeth’s maintained nurseries recorded a collective deficit of £2.4 million at the end of the 2024/25 Financial Year.
These substantial deficits raise concerns about the sustainability of maintained nursery schools, with implications for the council’s financial position which has been highlighted through the council’s internal and external audit and risk processes, with external auditors recommending action is taken.
Councillor Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education said: “Our priority is to make sure children across Lambeth continue to access high‑quality early years education, now and in the future. Maintained nursery schools play a vital role, particularly for our most vulnerable children, and these are not decisions we take lightly.
“However, sustained falls in pupil numbers and a funding system based on headcount have created significant financial pressures. Doing nothing is not an option – it would risk the quality and sustainability of provision. That is why we are proposing to consult openly on the future of these three nurseries, working closely with the Lambeth Nursery School Federation and governing body.”
“No decisions have yet been made. These consultations are about listening to parents, staff and the wider community before any final proposals may be brought forward”
“Any future decisions would include careful planning to support children and families, including consideration of continuity of care, SEND provision, and access to specialist early years support.”
Many of Lambeth’s schools face similar financial challenges due to falling pupil numbers and increased costs, with 2025/26 budget reporting showing 22 schools and maintained nurseries forecasting deficit budgets, totalling £12.2m. In response, the council has further strengthened financial oversight and support for schools, establishing a Lambeth Schools Efficiency Deficit Board in April 2025 to oversee work with schools identified as being at significant financial risk.
The recommendations to consult have been published formally as council reports, ahead of any consultation being launched. The council plans to run consultations lasting seven weeks for each of the nursery schools, from 2 February 2026 to 23 March 2026.
Consultation information for each nursery will be shared on the council’s dedicated consultation site at:
- haveyoursay.lambeth.gov.uk/effranursery
- haveyoursay.lambeth.gov.uk/trianglenursery
- haveyoursay.lambeth.gov.uk/maytreenursery
The reports setting out the recommendations to consult can be viewed on the council’s website:
